All eyes turn to Lingfield Park Racecourse this Saturday, 28 February, as the Polytrack hosts an exciting eight-race all-weather programme from 1:00pm to 5:05pm. Highlights include a mix of handicaps, a novice stakes, and the £60,000 Class 1 Spring Cup Stakes.
The afternoon begins at 1:00pm with the Create Your Bet Builders At Midnite Handicap Stakes, a Class 5 event over 1m4f with eight runners declared. Stamina will be a key factor around Lingfield’s turning track, particularly for runners hoping to time their challenge off the final bend.
At 1:30pm, the Midnite Handicap Stakes brings together ten runners over 6f 1y in another Class 5 contest. With a full field and a sharp sprint trip, early pace and track position are expected to play a decisive role.
The 2:05pm Novice Stakes is a Class 4 race over 1m 1y featuring five runners and a £10,000 prize fund. Lightly raced three-year-olds dominate this contest, and tactical awareness is likely to be crucial in a smaller field.
The highlight of the afternoon arrives at 2:35pm with the Spring Cup Stakes, a Class 1 contest over 7f 2y worth £60,000. Sir Albert IRE, rated 101 for Andrew Balding and Mrs A Althani, sets a high standard. Ten Carat Harry GB, trained by Jamie Osborne for The Ten Club, arrives in winning form and holds a rating of 97, while Bella Lyra GER brings a mark of 99 for Richard Hughes and Jastar Capital Limited.
Hilitany GB represents George Boughey and Victorious Forever with a rating of 94, and Shahik GB lines up for Michael Keady rated 83. Richie’s Rocket IRE adds further depth for Ralph Beckett, while Starfinch IRE and Star Strewn IRE complete a strong and balanced field.
The 3:10pm and 3:52pm contests are both Class 6 handicaps over 7f 1y, each offering £7,200 in prize money and featuring eight runners. These races often prove tightly contested, where minor rating differences and race positioning can determine the outcome.
At 4:30pm, the Classified Stakes sees six runners compete over 7f 1y for £6,600. With a smaller field, the pace may be more controlled before the race develops in the closing stages.
The card concludes at 5:05pm with the Midnite Handicap Stakes, a Class 5 event over 1m2f with eight runners. As the evening approaches, this middle-distance handicap provides a fitting end to a well-balanced and competitive all-weather programme at Lingfield Park.
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